St. Patrick's Day Party Essentials

by Ann Hayward 02/24/2019

So maybe you’re not into the pub crawl thing so much these days, but you still love St. Patrick’s Day and want to celebrate. This year consider hosting your own party instead of going out. With a little pre-planning and extra effort you can host an impressive and enviable St. Patrick's Day party that rivals the best pub crawl. Here are some essentials and ideas for your party planning.

Decorations - You'll definitely want some stellar decorations to attract friends to your party. Start with everything green. Green tablecloths, green cups, plates, and flatware. Green balloons, streamers, and confetti. Then add in some themed décor like clover leaves hanging from the ceiling and around your house and yard. Maybe include a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end using those cute coin chocolates. Set the design off with a Guinness or Smithwick’s sign to hang over your drinks station or a leprechaun cut-out to welcome people to the party. Going all-out on the cheesy décor for an adult St. Patrick’s Day party is more than okay!

The Food - Everyone looks forward to the Irish specialty foods they get to enjoy over this holiday. Make sure your party offers all the favorites your guests are seeking. Make or purchase (ahead of time!) corned beef and cabbage or corned beef hash. Try your hand at a delicious Shepard's pie. Add side dishes like colcannon—a remarkable mixture of mashed potatoes and cabbage. Then top it all off with traditional Irish soda bread. Of course, it's always a good idea to have some conventional party snacks available like chips, cheese and crackers, and cold-cuts, etc. 

Drinks - In addition to providing classic Irish ales, stouts and ciders take some time to develop or learn the recipe for some fun themes cocktails for your party. Set up a mixing station for guests to make their own Bailey's Irish Floats or Irish coffee. Serve espresso martinis or manhattans made with your favorite Irish whiskey or rye. Try a Red Zinger mixing whiskey and ginger ale, a green apple sangria, and an Irish mint mojito or Mule. 

Bonus Ideas

  • Turn your party into a costume party and require everyone to dress up as their favorite Irish character – movie character, actors, historical figures and even leprechauns welcome!
  • When it comes to beers, try setting up a mini pub crawl with different beers at various stations around the party. Have a selection of each ale and small tasting cups or faux beer flight setups for people to use to explore the many breweries Ireland has to offer.
  • Add games to your party. Host an Irish trivia competition, play charades or Pictionary with themed answers and clues. Should all else fail, you can always fall back on the classic drinking game, but of course, be responsible! 

This St. Patrick’s day try your hand at hosting for a great time with your friends and family!

Holiday
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About the Author
Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]